(KOPSI NEWS) — On May 23, 2025, the Cooperative Study Group (KOPSI) of the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR) carried out the “Cooperative Visit I” activity to the Setia Bhakti Wanita Consumer Cooperative (SBW) located in Wonocolo, Surabaya as a work program of the Public Relations Division.

The visit began with a historical overview of the SBW Cooperative's founding in 1977, rooted in women's empowerment initiatives. The visit continued with an in-depth exploration of the joint liability system as a collective guarantee mechanism among members. Participants also reviewed the cooperative's flagship products, including savings and loans, basic food units, and MSME assistance. They also participated in an interactive question and answer session regarding the implementation of the Articles of Association (AD/ART), institutional revitalization, and savings management. The event concluded with an office tour for direct observation of the SBW Cooperative's operations, from member services to business unit management.

This activity substantially supports the achievement of SDGs point 5 (Gender Equality) through direct learning about the role of SBW in increasing women's economic participation. The joint responsibility developed by SBW creates a special support network for female members, while the majority female leadership in the management structure and exclusive entrepreneurship training program reflect the commitment to equal access to productive resources. In parallel, this visit is also aligned with SDGs point 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through a study of SBW's contribution in creating formal employment in its business units, boosting the productivity of local MSMEs through inclusive capital schemes, and strengthening the mutual cooperation-based economy as a foundation for sustainable growth.

This field trip embodies Universitas Airlangga KOPSI experiential learning , combining theoretical studies with practical cooperative practices. The SBW Cooperative model provides an applicable perspective for developing inclusive cooperatives within the campus ecosystem. Strategic collaboration with established cooperatives like the SBW Cooperative also strengthens KOPSI's network for sustainable economic advocacy based on SDG principles.